Are We His Disciples?
A Look At John 13:35
John 13:35 is a powerful verse that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a Christian. In this verse, Jesus tells his disciples that "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another". This verse is a reminder that love is at the core of our faith, and that it is through our love for one another that we can show the world the power and truth of the gospel.
The word "love" is one that we hear often in Christian circles, but what does it really mean? In the context of this verse, love refers to a selfless and sacrificial attitude towards others. It is a love that puts the needs and desires of others before our own, just as Jesus did when he died on the cross for our sins.
But what does it mean to have love for one another? It means showing kindness and compassion to those around us, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It means forgiving those who have wronged us, and seeking reconciliation when there is conflict. It means being patient, gentle, and understanding with others, even when we disagree with them.
In today's world, where there is so much division and strife, the call to love one another is more important than ever. We live in a society that values individualism and self-promotion, but as Christians, we are called to live differently. We are called to put others first, to seek unity and understanding, and to be a shining example of Christ's love in the world.
So, how can we put this verse into practice in our own lives? One way is to look for opportunities to show love to those around us, whether it be through acts of service, kind words, or simply listening to someone who needs to be heard. We can also make a conscious effort to be more patient and understanding with those who may have different beliefs or opinions than us.
John 13:35 is a powerful reminder that love is at the core of our faith, and that it is through our love for one another that we can show the world the power and truth of the gospel. Let us strive to live out this verse in our daily lives, and be a shining example of Christ's love to those around us.
We must also remember that love is not just a feeling or emotion, but it is also an action. In order to truly love others as Christ loved us, we must be willing to serve and sacrifice for them, just as Jesus did when he laid down his life for us.
Furthermore, we must also recognize that loving others does not mean condoning sin or compromising on the truth of the gospel. Love and truth go hand in hand, and as Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means that we must be willing to gently and lovingly confront sin when necessary, always with the goal of helping others grow in their relationship with Christ.
Another important aspect of this verse is the emphasis on unity among believers. Jesus tells his disciples that the world will know that they are his followers if they have love for one another. This implies that there is a visible and tangible unity that should exist among Christians. Unfortunately, we often see the opposite in the church, with division and disunity causing harm and hindering our witness to the world.
As believers, we must desire unity with our fellow Christians, while not forsaking doctrine. I’ve heard it said before that unity is the byproduct, not the goal. As we serve Christ, and honor His word we will have unity. But, when people forsake Him we shouldn’t expect unity. Sometimes divisions can be unnecessary and pointless, but oftentimes it is important for us to remember that being His disciple comes first.
In conclusion, John 13:35 is a powerful reminder of the centrality of love in the Christian faith. As we seek to love others as Christ loved us, we must be willing to serve and sacrifice for them, confront sin when necessary, pursue unity with our fellow believers, and always speak the truth in love. Let us strive to live out this verse in our daily lives, and be a visible witness to the world of the transforming power of Christ's love.
